US20110140381A1 - Mobile Cart Base with Traction Wheel - Google Patents
Mobile Cart Base with Traction Wheel Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110140381A1 US20110140381A1 US13/035,481 US201113035481A US2011140381A1 US 20110140381 A1 US20110140381 A1 US 20110140381A1 US 201113035481 A US201113035481 A US 201113035481A US 2011140381 A1 US2011140381 A1 US 2011140381A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- frame
- base
- assembly
- swiveling wheel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G12/00—Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups A61G1/00 - A61G11/00, e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or food; Prescription lists
- A61G12/001—Trolleys for transport of medicaments, food, linen, nursing supplies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/10—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B5/00—Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts
- B62B5/0026—Propulsion aids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
- A47B2200/0011—Underframes
- A47B2200/002—Legs
- A47B2200/0021—Tables or desks of the single column type
- A47B2200/0023—Columnar component for computer, stand or trolley
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
- A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
- A61G2203/36—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for motion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2202/00—Indexing codes relating to type or characteristics of transported articles
- B62B2202/56—Computers; Screens
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2301/00—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension
- B62B2301/08—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension comprising additional wheels to increase stability
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2301/00—Wheel arrangements; Steering; Stability; Wheel suspension
- B62B2301/20—Resilient wheel suspension using springs
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to the field of carts, and particularly to mobile carts with multi-wheeled bases.
- Mobile carts are employed in many industries, and may be used to carry a computer, monitor, display, or other electronic equipment; to provide a work surface, such as for a computer keyboard and mouse; and/or to provide portable storage, such as a tray or compartment.
- the overall weight of some mobile carts, particularly those equipped with electronic equipment and power supplies, may be an ergonomic issue. With an average weight exceeding 100 pounds, pushing a mobile cart can be tiring and cumbersome, especially for smaller users.
- mobile carts have been equipped with four swivel casters or wheels, which permit the user to maneuver the cart around corners, or push it out of the way if necessary, but makes the cart difficult to steer.
- the momentum of the cart may be a problem if the cart is moved quickly, as the cart may become difficult to stop or turn.
- the carts are difficult to push in a straight line, as the four swivel casters may cause the cart to move slightly from side to side as it pushed, especially if the floors are uneven.
- the maneuverability of a mobile cart can be improved by making two of the four casters ridged or non-swiveling.
- the mobile cart operates much like a shopping cart, and the user steers the cart by controlling the front end. This is not ideal, however, because it is still difficult to turn tight corners, and nearly impossible to pivot in place.
- the invention provides a multi-wheeled base for a mobile cart.
- the base may include one or more swiveling, optionally locking, caster wheels and one or more non-swiveling traction wheels to improve the maneuverability of the cart by making it easier to steer and stop.
- the traction wheels may be manually-engaged traction wheels, which in one non-limiting example may be operated by a cam and lever.
- the traction wheels may also be automatically-engaged traction wheels operated by a motor and a threaded shaft, activated by a motion-sensitive sensor or by an on/off electrical switch or button.
- the multi-wheeled base may comprise a base frame that is generally rectangular, and may include four protruding legs, one leg extending from and proximate each corner of the base frame.
- One swiveling caster wheel may be mounted to each of the protruding legs. If the base frame does not include the protruding legs, the swiveling caster wheels may be mounted to the base frame at the corners of the base frame.
- the base frame is preferably configured to accommodate one or more optional battery cell housings and battery cells, in which case an electrical interconnect assembly is used to connect the battery cells and provide electrical connections for the mobile cart, including the electrical connections needed to power the automatically-engaged traction wheel.
- the manually-engaged traction wheel includes a traction wheel housing and a cam and lever wheel-positioning assembly.
- the traction wheel housing includes a wheel assembly sandwiched between two assembly plates, such that the wheel assembly may move up and down a short distance relative to the assembly plates.
- the up and down movement of the wheel assembly is controlled by the cam and lever assembly, and is guided and limited by elongated slots defined in the assembly plates.
- the automatically-engaged traction wheel includes a traction wheel housing and a motor and threaded shaft wheel-positioning assembly.
- the traction wheel housing includes a wheel assembly sandwiched between two assembly plates, such that the wheel assembly may move up and down a short distance relative to the assembly plates.
- the up and down movement of the wheel assembly is controlled by the motor and shaft assembly, and is guided and limited by elongated slots defined in the assembly plates.
- a Hall effect sensor is used to detect an “on/off” signal from a magnet embedded in the rotating wheel. As long as the Hall effect sensor detects the “on/off” signal from the magnet, the motor and the threaded shaft turn such that the wheel assembly is lowered, and the wheel touches the floor or the ground. When the Hall effect sensor stops receiving the “on/off” signal from the magnet, because the wheel is no longer rotating, the motor and the threaded shaft turn such that the wheel assembly is lifted, and the wheel is lifted off the floor or ground.
- mobile cart base comprises a base frame having a generally rectangular shape and a front frame member, a rear frame member, two opposing side members, and a center frame member coupled to the front frame member and the rear frame member, where the center frame member is generally parallel to the opposing side members and generally perpendicular to the front frame member and the rear frame member; four swiveling wheels mounted to the base frame proximate each of the four corners of the base frame; and a non-swiveling traction wheel mounted to the center frame member, where the traction wheel comprises a cam and lever assembly that is adapted to raise and lower the traction wheel relative to the base frame.
- a mobile cart base comprises a base frame having a generally rectangular shape and a front frame member, a rear frame member, two opposing side members, and a center frame member coupled to the front frame member and the rear frame member, where the center frame member is generally parallel to the opposing side members and generally perpendicular to the front frame member and the rear frame member; four swiveling wheels mounted to the base frame proximate each of the four corners of the base frame; and a non-swiveling traction wheel mounted to the center frame member, where the traction wheel comprises a motor and threaded spindle assembly that is adapted to raise and lower the traction wheel relative to the base frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a rolling base section of a mobile cart base
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 1 , showing the addition of front and rear cover members;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 2 , showing the addition of corner cover members;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 3 , showing the addition of a manually-engaged traction wheel;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 4 , showing the addition of battery cell compartments;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 5 , showing the addition of a spring assembly and an electrical interconnect assembly;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 6 , showing the addition of battery cells;
- FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the rolling base section of FIG. 7 , showing the addition of a top cover member;
- FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a mobile cart
- FIG. 9A is perspective view of a wheel assembly for a manually-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the components of the wheel assembly of FIG. 9A ;
- FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a traction wheel housing for a manually-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 9D is an exploded view of the components of the traction wheel housing of FIG. 9C ;
- FIG. 9E is a side view of a manually-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 9F is a front view of the manually-engaged traction wheel of FIG. 9E ;
- FIG. 9G is an exploded view of the components of a cam and lever assembly of the manually-engaged traction wheel of FIG. 9E ;
- FIG. 9H is an exploded view of the components of the manually-engaged traction wheel of FIG. 9E ;
- FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a wheel assembly for an automatically-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the components of the wheel assembly of FIG. 10A ;
- FIG. 10C is a front view of a motor and shaft assembly for an automatically-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 10D is a side view of the motor and shaft assembly of FIG. 10C ;
- FIG. 10E is an exploded view of the components of the motor and shaft assembly of FIG. 10C ;
- FIG. 1 OF is an exploded view of the motor electrical assembly of the motor and shaft assembly of FIG. 10E ;
- FIG. 10G is a perspective view of an automatically-engaged traction wheel
- FIG. 10H is an exploded view of the components of the automatically-engaged traction wheel of FIG. 10G ;
- FIG. 10I is an exploded view of a traction wheel housing for an automatically-engaged traction wheel.
- mobile cart base 800 comprises a rolling base section 100 that includes a generally rectangular base frame 105 and four omni-directional, optionally locking swiveling casters or wheels 110 .
- mobile cart base 800 may include a generally elliptical base frame, or a base frame comprising three, four or more sides, and may have two, three or more swiveling wheels.
- base frame 105 comprises a front frame member 106 , a rear frame member 107 , two opposing side frame members, left side member 108 and right side member 109 , and center frame member 140 .
- base frame 105 includes four protruding legs 120 , one protruding leg located proximate each corner of the base frame 105 .
- Base frame 105 is preferably constructed of metal, although other materials, suitable for accommodating the weight of the mobile cart, are within the scope of the invention.
- One swiveling caster or wheel 110 is coupled to each protruding leg 120 with washers 131 and nut 133 , although other types of connectors or fasteners known in the art may be used.
- protruding legs 120 are optional, and one swiveling caster or wheel 110 may be coupled directly to each of the corners of base frame 105 , or proximate the corners of base frame 105 .
- front cover member 220 is mounted to base frame 105 proximate the center of front frame member 106
- rear cover member 210 is mounted to base frame 105 proximate the center of rear frame member 107 with screws 230 , or other types of connectors or fasteners.
- front cover member 220 and rear cover member 210 are made of plastic.
- each of the corner cover members 310 , 320 , 330 and 340 is mounted to base frame 105 proximate each of the corners of base frame 105 with screws 350 or other types of known fasteners or connectors, so as to cover the tops of the protruding legs 120 .
- corner cover members 330 and 340 and front cover member 220 are adapted and configured to cover substantially the entire top of front frame member 106 .
- corner cover members 310 and 320 and rear cover member 210 are adapted and configured to cover substantially the entire top of rear frame member 107 once mounted to base frame 105 .
- Corner cover members 310 , 320 , 330 and 240 are preferably made of plastic.
- manually-engaged traction wheel 990 is mounted to center frame member 140 with screws 410 or other known forms of connectors or fasteners.
- optional battery cell compartments 510 and 520 are generally cube-shaped with an open top and a closed bottom, and are adapted to house the battery cells that provide power to the electrical components housed on the mobile cart.
- Battery cell compartment 510 comprises left and right top flanges, 515 and 516 respectively.
- Left top flange 515 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of left frame member 108
- right top flange 516 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of the center frame member 140 .
- battery cell 520 comprises left and right top flanges 526 and 527 , respectively.
- Left top flange 526 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of the center frame member 140 .
- Right top flange 527 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of right frame member 109 .
- FIG. 6 shows the addition of spring assembly 610 and electrical interconnect assembly 620 to base frame 105 .
- Spring assembly 610 is used to exert a slight downward pressure on the wheel assembly 940 of manually-engaged traction wheel 990 , as described in detail below.
- Spring assembly 610 acts as a shock absorber, allowing wheel assembly 940 to give and still remain in contact with the floor.
- Electrical interconnect assembly 620 connects the battery cells 710 and 720 , which are shown in FIG. 7 and described below.
- spring assembly 610 comprises a bushing 611 , a spring 612 , a retainer 613 and one more screws or fasteners 614 to couple retainer 613 to center frame member 140 .
- Spring 612 is preferably a compression spring.
- electrical interconnect assembly 620 comprises interconnect board 621 , interconnect board housing 622 , screws 623 to couple interconnect board 621 to interconnect board housing 622 , and screws or fasteners 624 to couple interconnect board housing 622 to center frame member 140 .
- interconnect board 621 includes a connector (not shown) that is used to power an automatically-engaged traction wheel 1010 , described in detail below.
- optional battery cells 710 and 720 are housed in optional battery cell compartments 510 and 520 , respectively, and coupled to base frame 105 with screws or fasteners 730 .
- FIG. 8A shows the addition of top cover member 810 , which completes a preferred embodiment of the mobile cart base 800 .
- Top cover member 810 is preferably made of plastic.
- the base frame 105 may not include center frame member 140 , battery cell compartments 510 and 520 , and/or battery cells 710 and 720 , and the manually-engaged traction wheel 990 may be mounted to either or both of the left and right frame members 108 and 109 .
- mobile cart base 800 may be used as the rolling base section for a mobile cart, such as mobile cart 8200 shown in FIG. 8B .
- Mobile cart 8200 may comprise a mobile cart base 800 , upper working section 8210 , and intermediate section 8230 .
- Intermediate section 8230 may comprise a length-adjustable upwardly-extending post 8232 , which allows the height of upper working section 8210 to be adjusted.
- Upper working section 8210 may include a keyboard support 8271 adapted to carry keyboard 8270 , and one or two retractable mouse trays 8272 .
- Mobile cart 8200 may also carry a computer (not shown), such as by a bracket coupled to upper working section 8210 .
- Upper working section 8210 may also carry a computer monitor 8260 and a storage compartment 8250 .
- Mobile cart 8200 may also include a front projecting handle 8850 and a rear projecting handle 8860 to allow a user to roll the mobile cart.
- manually-engaged traction wheel 990 comprises traction wheel housing 910 , cam and lever wheel-positioning assembly 920 , and cover plate 930 .
- wheel-positioning assembly 920 comprises a cam 922 , block 925 , and a lever 923 , coupled together with connector or fastener 921 .
- traction wheel housing 910 comprises wheel assembly 940 and generally rectangular left and right assembly plates 911 and 912 , respectively.
- Left assembly plate 911 and right assembly plate 912 each have an upper vertical flange, 917 and 918 , respectively, that are adapted to couple manually-engaged traction wheel 990 to center frame member 140 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- Wheel assembly 940 is sandwiched between and coupled to left assembly plate 911 and right assembly plate 912 with bushings 913 and 914 , washers 915 , and screws 916 , or other known types of connectors or fasteners.
- wheel assembly 940 comprises wheel 941 , and left and right wheel brackets 942 and 943 , respectively.
- Left and right wheel brackets 942 and 943 form a housing for wheel 941 .
- Wheel 941 is sandwiched between and coupled to left wheel bracket 942 and right wheel bracket 943 with bushing 944 and screws or fasteners 945 .
- Bushing 944 is centered through wheel 941 , and allows wheel 941 to rotate.
- Left wheel bracket 942 and right wheel bracket 943 each define an elongated slot, 946 and 947 , respectively, through which bushing 913 is inserted and coupled to post 919 , as shown in FIGS. 9B , 9 C and 9 D.
- This configuration allows wheel assembly 940 to move up and down relative to the left and right assembly plates, 911 and 912 , of the traction wheel housing 910 .
- the range of movement of wheel assembly 940 is guided and limited by elongated slots 946 and 947 .
- wheel assembly 940 When assembled, wheel assembly 940 defines a top member 966 and a notch 950 . As shown in FIG. 9F , notch 950 accommodates cam and lever assembly 920 . When cam and lever assembly 920 is engaged, and as shown in FIG. 9F , cam 922 is in contact with top member 966 . Conversely, when cam and lever assembly 920 is disengaged, cam 922 is not in contact with top member 966 .
- the wheel assembly 940 is lowered or raised by lever 923 .
- lever 923 When lever 923 is in a first position, for example a generally horizontal position, as shown in FIGS. 9E and 9F , earn and lever assembly 920 is engaged, and wheel assembly 940 is raised, such that wheel 941 is raised above and not in contact with the floor or other surface.
- lever 923 When lever 923 is moved up or down ninety degrees to a second position, for example in the direction of arrow A or arrow B, cam and lever assembly 920 is disengaged, and wheel assembly 940 is lowered, such that wheel 941 is in contact with the floor or other surface.
- automatically-engaged traction wheel 1010 comprises traction wheel housing 1030 , motor and shaft wheel-positioning assembly 1040 , and cover plate 1050 , and is coupled together with screws 1060 or other forms of known connectors or fasteners.
- traction wheel housing 1030 comprises wheel assembly 1020 and generally rectangular left and right assembly plates 1031 and 1032 , respectively.
- Left assembly plate 1031 and right assembly plate 1032 each have an upper vertical flange, 1033 and 1034 , respectively.
- Vertical flanges 1033 and 1034 are adapted to couple automatically-engaged traction wheel 1010 to center frame member 140 of base frame 105 , similar to the manner in which manually-engaged traction wheel 990 is coupled to center frame member 140 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- Wheel assembly 1020 is sandwiched between and coupled to left assembly plate 1031 and right assembly plate 1032 with bushings 1035 and 1036 , washers 1037 , and screws 1038 , or other known types of connectors or fasteners.
- wheel assembly 1020 comprises wheel 1021 , left and right wheel brackets 1022 and 1023 , respectively, and motor engagement member 1024 .
- Motor engagement member 1024 defines a notch 1028 .
- Left and right wheel brackets 1022 and 1023 form a housing for wheel 1021 .
- Wheel 1021 is sandwiched between and coupled to left wheel bracket 1022 and right wheel bracket 1023 with bushing 1025 and screws or fasteners 1026 .
- Motor engagement member is coupled to right wheel bracket 1023 with screws 1029 and nuts 1027 , or other known forms of connectors.
- Bushing 1025 is centered through wheel 1021 , and allows wheel 1021 to rotate. When assembled, threaded shaft 1042 of motor and shaft assembly 1040 , described below, extends through notch 1028 .
- Left wheel bracket 1022 and right wheel bracket 1023 each define an elongated slot, 1061 and 1062 , respectively, through which bushing 1036 is inserted and coupled to 1039 , as shown in FIG. 10I .
- This configuration allows wheel assembly 1020 to move up and down relative to the left and right assembly plates, 1031 and 1032 , of the traction wheel housing 1030 .
- the range of movement of wheel assembly 1020 is guided and limited by elongated slots 1061 and 1062 .
- Motor and shaft wheel-positioning assembly 1040 is shown in FIGS. 10C through 10F .
- motor and shaft assembly 1040 comprises motor 1041 , threaded shaft 1042 , motor electrical assembly 1070 , bracket 1043 , connector block 1044 and collar 1045 , and is coupled together with screws or fasteners 1046 and 1047 .
- Motor electrical assembly 1070 , bracket 1043 , connector block 1044 and collar 1045 ride up and down as the threaded shaft 1042 turns.
- motor electrical assembly 1070 comprises circuit board 1072 and housing 1071 , which are coupled together with screws or fasteners 1073 .
- automatically-engaged traction wheel 1010 is motion sensitive.
- Circuit board 1072 includes a Hall Effect sensor 1082 that controls motor 1041 .
- Hall Effect sensor 1082 responds to a small magnet 1083 embedded in wheel 1021 , as shown in FIG. 10A .
- the magnet 1083 is effectively sending an “on/off” signal to the Hall Effect sensor 1082 .
- the Hall Effect sensor 1082 When wheel 1021 is not spinning, the Hall Effect sensor 1082 does not detect the “on/off” signal from magnet 1083 , and motor 1041 turns threaded shaft 1042 to a first position such that wheel assembly 1020 is raised relative to the traction wheel housing 1030 and wheel 1021 is no longer in contact with the floor or other surface.
- the Hall Effect sensor 1082 detects the “on/off” signal from the magnet 1083 , and motor 1041 turns threaded shaft 1042 to a second position such that wheel assembly 1020 is lowered relative to the traction wheel housing 1030 and wheel 1021 is in contact with the floor or other surface.
- Circuit board 1072 also includes a vibration sensor chip 1081 .
- the vibration sensor chip 1081 causes motor 1041 to turn threaded shaft 1042 so as to lower wheel assembly 1020 , such that wheel 1021 is in contact with the floor or other surface.
- automatically-engaged traction wheel 1010 is operated by an on/off switch or button, which may be located on the mobile cart base 800 , or the upper working section 8210 or the intermediate section 8230 of the mobile cart 8200 .
- Motor 1041 receives power from the on-board battery cells 710 and 720 through interconnect board 621 , shown in FIG. 6 , through two terminals 1048 located on the outer side of motor 1041 , shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/308,965, entitled “MOBILE CART BASE WITH TRACTION WHEEL,” filed on Feb. 28, 2010, and is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to co-pending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 12/418,338, entitled “MOBILE CART,” filed on Apr. 3, 2009, which itself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/074,170, entitled “BEDSIDE MEDICATION DELIVERY CART,” filed on Jun. 20, 2008. The entire contents of all three priority applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
- The invention relates generally to the field of carts, and particularly to mobile carts with multi-wheeled bases.
- Mobile carts are employed in many industries, and may be used to carry a computer, monitor, display, or other electronic equipment; to provide a work surface, such as for a computer keyboard and mouse; and/or to provide portable storage, such as a tray or compartment. The overall weight of some mobile carts, particularly those equipped with electronic equipment and power supplies, may be an ergonomic issue. With an average weight exceeding 100 pounds, pushing a mobile cart can be tiring and cumbersome, especially for smaller users.
- In the past, mobile carts have been equipped with four swivel casters or wheels, which permit the user to maneuver the cart around corners, or push it out of the way if necessary, but makes the cart difficult to steer. In particular, the momentum of the cart may be a problem if the cart is moved quickly, as the cart may become difficult to stop or turn. In addition, the carts are difficult to push in a straight line, as the four swivel casters may cause the cart to move slightly from side to side as it pushed, especially if the floors are uneven.
- The maneuverability of a mobile cart can be improved by making two of the four casters ridged or non-swiveling. In this configuration, the mobile cart operates much like a shopping cart, and the user steers the cart by controlling the front end. This is not ideal, however, because it is still difficult to turn tight corners, and nearly impossible to pivot in place.
- There is a need in the art, then, for a mobile cart that is easy to maneuver; a cart that can turn effortlessly and quickly, without a concern that the momentum of the cart will lead the cart astray. In addition, there is a need for a mobile cart that will move in a straight line when pushed, and will self-adjust so that the wheels stay in contact with the floor, either automatically, in response to the movement of the cart, or manually.
- The invention provides a multi-wheeled base for a mobile cart. The base may include one or more swiveling, optionally locking, caster wheels and one or more non-swiveling traction wheels to improve the maneuverability of the cart by making it easier to steer and stop. The traction wheels may be manually-engaged traction wheels, which in one non-limiting example may be operated by a cam and lever. The traction wheels may also be automatically-engaged traction wheels operated by a motor and a threaded shaft, activated by a motion-sensitive sensor or by an on/off electrical switch or button.
- The multi-wheeled base may comprise a base frame that is generally rectangular, and may include four protruding legs, one leg extending from and proximate each corner of the base frame. One swiveling caster wheel may be mounted to each of the protruding legs. If the base frame does not include the protruding legs, the swiveling caster wheels may be mounted to the base frame at the corners of the base frame.
- The base frame is preferably configured to accommodate one or more optional battery cell housings and battery cells, in which case an electrical interconnect assembly is used to connect the battery cells and provide electrical connections for the mobile cart, including the electrical connections needed to power the automatically-engaged traction wheel.
- One non-limiting embodiment of the manually-engaged traction wheel includes a traction wheel housing and a cam and lever wheel-positioning assembly. The traction wheel housing includes a wheel assembly sandwiched between two assembly plates, such that the wheel assembly may move up and down a short distance relative to the assembly plates. The up and down movement of the wheel assembly is controlled by the cam and lever assembly, and is guided and limited by elongated slots defined in the assembly plates. When the lever is in a first position, the cam and lever assembly is engaged, the wheel assembly is lowered, and the wheel of the wheel assembly touches the floor or ground. When the lever is moved up or down ninety-degrees from the first position, the cam and lever assembly is disengaged, the wheel assembly is raised, and the wheel is lifted off the floor or ground.
- In a non-limiting embodiment, the automatically-engaged traction wheel includes a traction wheel housing and a motor and threaded shaft wheel-positioning assembly. The traction wheel housing includes a wheel assembly sandwiched between two assembly plates, such that the wheel assembly may move up and down a short distance relative to the assembly plates. The up and down movement of the wheel assembly is controlled by the motor and shaft assembly, and is guided and limited by elongated slots defined in the assembly plates. A Hall effect sensor is used to detect an “on/off” signal from a magnet embedded in the rotating wheel. As long as the Hall effect sensor detects the “on/off” signal from the magnet, the motor and the threaded shaft turn such that the wheel assembly is lowered, and the wheel touches the floor or the ground. When the Hall effect sensor stops receiving the “on/off” signal from the magnet, because the wheel is no longer rotating, the motor and the threaded shaft turn such that the wheel assembly is lifted, and the wheel is lifted off the floor or ground.
- In an embodiment, mobile cart base comprises a base frame having a generally rectangular shape and a front frame member, a rear frame member, two opposing side members, and a center frame member coupled to the front frame member and the rear frame member, where the center frame member is generally parallel to the opposing side members and generally perpendicular to the front frame member and the rear frame member; four swiveling wheels mounted to the base frame proximate each of the four corners of the base frame; and a non-swiveling traction wheel mounted to the center frame member, where the traction wheel comprises a cam and lever assembly that is adapted to raise and lower the traction wheel relative to the base frame.
- In another embodiment, a mobile cart base comprises a base frame having a generally rectangular shape and a front frame member, a rear frame member, two opposing side members, and a center frame member coupled to the front frame member and the rear frame member, where the center frame member is generally parallel to the opposing side members and generally perpendicular to the front frame member and the rear frame member; four swiveling wheels mounted to the base frame proximate each of the four corners of the base frame; and a non-swiveling traction wheel mounted to the center frame member, where the traction wheel comprises a motor and threaded spindle assembly that is adapted to raise and lower the traction wheel relative to the base frame.
- The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a rolling base section of a mobile cart base; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 1 , showing the addition of front and rear cover members; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 2 , showing the addition of corner cover members; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 3 , showing the addition of a manually-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 4 , showing the addition of battery cell compartments; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 5 , showing the addition of a spring assembly and an electrical interconnect assembly; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 6 , showing the addition of battery cells; -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the rolling base section ofFIG. 7 , showing the addition of a top cover member; -
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a mobile cart; -
FIG. 9A is perspective view of a wheel assembly for a manually-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the components of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a traction wheel housing for a manually-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 9D is an exploded view of the components of the traction wheel housing ofFIG. 9C ; -
FIG. 9E is a side view of a manually-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 9F is a front view of the manually-engaged traction wheel ofFIG. 9E ; -
FIG. 9G is an exploded view of the components of a cam and lever assembly of the manually-engaged traction wheel ofFIG. 9E ; -
FIG. 9H is an exploded view of the components of the manually-engaged traction wheel ofFIG. 9E ; -
FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a wheel assembly for an automatically-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the components of the wheel assembly ofFIG. 10A ; -
FIG. 10C is a front view of a motor and shaft assembly for an automatically-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 10D is a side view of the motor and shaft assembly ofFIG. 10C ; -
FIG. 10E is an exploded view of the components of the motor and shaft assembly ofFIG. 10C ; - FIG. 1OF is an exploded view of the motor electrical assembly of the motor and shaft assembly of
FIG. 10E ; -
FIG. 10G is a perspective view of an automatically-engaged traction wheel; -
FIG. 10H is an exploded view of the components of the automatically-engaged traction wheel ofFIG. 10G ; and -
FIG. 10I is an exploded view of a traction wheel housing for an automatically-engaged traction wheel. - I. Mobile Cart Base
- With reference to
FIGS. 1 through 8 , in a preferred embodiment,mobile cart base 800 comprises a rollingbase section 100 that includes a generallyrectangular base frame 105 and four omni-directional, optionally locking swiveling casters orwheels 110. In alternate embodiments,mobile cart base 800 may include a generally elliptical base frame, or a base frame comprising three, four or more sides, and may have two, three or more swiveling wheels. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,base frame 105 comprises afront frame member 106, arear frame member 107, two opposing side frame members,left side member 108 andright side member 109, andcenter frame member 140. In a preferred embodiment,base frame 105 includes fourprotruding legs 120, one protruding leg located proximate each corner of thebase frame 105.Base frame 105 is preferably constructed of metal, although other materials, suitable for accommodating the weight of the mobile cart, are within the scope of the invention. One swiveling caster orwheel 110 is coupled to eachprotruding leg 120 withwashers 131 andnut 133, although other types of connectors or fasteners known in the art may be used. In alternate embodiments, protrudinglegs 120 are optional, and one swiveling caster orwheel 110 may be coupled directly to each of the corners ofbase frame 105, or proximate the corners ofbase frame 105. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 ,front cover member 220 is mounted tobase frame 105 proximate the center offront frame member 106, andrear cover member 210 is mounted tobase frame 105 proximate the center ofrear frame member 107 withscrews 230, or other types of connectors or fasteners. In a preferred embodiment,front cover member 220 andrear cover member 210 are made of plastic. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of thecorner cover members base frame 105 proximate each of the corners ofbase frame 105 withscrews 350 or other types of known fasteners or connectors, so as to cover the tops of the protrudinglegs 120. Once mounted tobase frame 105, and as shown inFIG. 4 ,corner cover members front cover member 220 are adapted and configured to cover substantially the entire top offront frame member 106. Similarly,corner cover members rear cover member 210 are adapted and configured to cover substantially the entire top ofrear frame member 107 once mounted tobase frame 105.Corner cover members - With reference to
FIG. 4 , and as described in detail below, manually-engagedtraction wheel 990 is mounted to centerframe member 140 withscrews 410 or other known forms of connectors or fasteners. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , optional battery cell compartments 510 and 520 are generally cube-shaped with an open top and a closed bottom, and are adapted to house the battery cells that provide power to the electrical components housed on the mobile cart.Battery cell compartment 510 comprises left and right top flanges, 515 and 516 respectively. Lefttop flange 515 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top ofleft frame member 108, and righttop flange 516 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of thecenter frame member 140. Similarly,battery cell 520 comprises left and righttop flanges 526 and 527, respectively. Lefttop flange 526 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top of thecenter frame member 140. Right top flange 527 is adapted to rest on top of at least a portion of the top ofright frame member 109. -
FIG. 6 shows the addition ofspring assembly 610 andelectrical interconnect assembly 620 tobase frame 105.Spring assembly 610 is used to exert a slight downward pressure on thewheel assembly 940 of manually-engagedtraction wheel 990, as described in detail below.Spring assembly 610 acts as a shock absorber, allowingwheel assembly 940 to give and still remain in contact with the floor.Electrical interconnect assembly 620 connects thebattery cells FIG. 7 and described below. - In a preferred embodiment,
spring assembly 610 comprises abushing 611, aspring 612, aretainer 613 and one more screws orfasteners 614 to coupleretainer 613 to centerframe member 140.Spring 612 is preferably a compression spring. - In a preferred embodiment,
electrical interconnect assembly 620 comprisesinterconnect board 621, interconnect board housing 622,screws 623 to coupleinterconnect board 621 to interconnect board housing 622, and screws orfasteners 624 to couple interconnect board housing 622 to centerframe member 140. In alternate embodiments,interconnect board 621 includes a connector (not shown) that is used to power an automatically-engagedtraction wheel 1010, described in detail below. - As shown in
FIG. 7 ,optional battery cells base frame 105 with screws orfasteners 730. -
FIG. 8A shows the addition oftop cover member 810, which completes a preferred embodiment of themobile cart base 800.Top cover member 810 is preferably made of plastic. - In an alternate embodiment, the
base frame 105 may not includecenter frame member 140, battery cell compartments 510 and 520, and/orbattery cells traction wheel 990 may be mounted to either or both of the left andright frame members - In one non-limiting embodiment,
mobile cart base 800 may be used as the rolling base section for a mobile cart, such asmobile cart 8200 shown inFIG. 8B .Mobile cart 8200 may comprise amobile cart base 800,upper working section 8210, and intermediate section 8230. Intermediate section 8230 may comprise a length-adjustable upwardly-extending post 8232, which allows the height ofupper working section 8210 to be adjusted.Upper working section 8210 may include akeyboard support 8271 adapted to carrykeyboard 8270, and one or two retractable mouse trays 8272.Mobile cart 8200 may also carry a computer (not shown), such as by a bracket coupled toupper working section 8210.Upper working section 8210 may also carry a computer monitor 8260 and astorage compartment 8250.Mobile cart 8200 may also include afront projecting handle 8850 and arear projecting handle 8860 to allow a user to roll the mobile cart. - II. Manually-Engaged Traction Wheel
- The details of manually-engaged
traction wheel 990, shown previously inFIGS. 4 through 7 and 8A, are shown inFIGS. 9A through 9H . With reference toFIGS. 9E , 9F, and 9H, manually-engagedtraction wheel 990 comprisestraction wheel housing 910, cam and lever wheel-positioning assembly 920, andcover plate 930. As shown inFIG. 9G , wheel-positioning assembly 920 comprises acam 922, block 925, and alever 923, coupled together with connector orfastener 921. - As shown in
FIGS. 9C and 9D ,traction wheel housing 910 compriseswheel assembly 940 and generally rectangular left andright assembly plates 911 and 912, respectively.Left assembly plate 911 and right assembly plate 912 each have an upper vertical flange, 917 and 918, respectively, that are adapted to couple manually-engagedtraction wheel 990 to centerframe member 140, as shown inFIG. 4 .Wheel assembly 940 is sandwiched between and coupled toleft assembly plate 911 and right assembly plate 912 withbushings washers 915, and screws 916, or other known types of connectors or fasteners. - With reference to
FIGS. 9A and 9B ,wheel assembly 940 compriseswheel 941, and left andright wheel brackets 942 and 943, respectively. Left andright wheel brackets 942 and 943 form a housing forwheel 941.Wheel 941 is sandwiched between and coupled to left wheel bracket 942 andright wheel bracket 943 with bushing 944 and screws orfasteners 945. Bushing 944 is centered throughwheel 941, and allowswheel 941 to rotate. - Left wheel bracket 942 and
right wheel bracket 943 each define an elongated slot, 946 and 947, respectively, through whichbushing 913 is inserted and coupled to post 919, as shown inFIGS. 9B , 9C and 9D. This configuration allowswheel assembly 940 to move up and down relative to the left and right assembly plates, 911 and 912, of thetraction wheel housing 910. The range of movement ofwheel assembly 940 is guided and limited byelongated slots - When assembled,
wheel assembly 940 defines atop member 966 and anotch 950. As shown inFIG. 9F , notch 950 accommodates cam andlever assembly 920. When cam andlever assembly 920 is engaged, and as shown inFIG. 9F ,cam 922 is in contact withtop member 966. Conversely, when cam andlever assembly 920 is disengaged,cam 922 is not in contact withtop member 966. - The
wheel assembly 940 is lowered or raised bylever 923. Whenlever 923 is in a first position, for example a generally horizontal position, as shown inFIGS. 9E and 9F , earn andlever assembly 920 is engaged, andwheel assembly 940 is raised, such thatwheel 941 is raised above and not in contact with the floor or other surface. Whenlever 923 is moved up or down ninety degrees to a second position, for example in the direction of arrow A or arrow B, cam andlever assembly 920 is disengaged, andwheel assembly 940 is lowered, such thatwheel 941 is in contact with the floor or other surface. - III. Automatically-Engaged Traction Wheel
- The details of automatically-engaged
traction wheel 1010 are shown inFIGS. 10A through 10I . With reference toFIGS. 10H and 10G , automatically-engagedtraction wheel 1010 comprisestraction wheel housing 1030, motor and shaft wheel-positioning assembly 1040, andcover plate 1050, and is coupled together withscrews 1060 or other forms of known connectors or fasteners. - As shown in
FIG. 10I ,traction wheel housing 1030 compriseswheel assembly 1020 and generally rectangular left andright assembly plates 1031 and 1032, respectively.Left assembly plate 1031 and right assembly plate 1032 each have an upper vertical flange, 1033 and 1034, respectively.Vertical flanges traction wheel 1010 to centerframe member 140 ofbase frame 105, similar to the manner in which manually-engagedtraction wheel 990 is coupled tocenter frame member 140, as shown inFIG. 4 .Wheel assembly 1020 is sandwiched between and coupled toleft assembly plate 1031 and right assembly plate 1032 withbushings washers 1037, and screws 1038, or other known types of connectors or fasteners. - With reference to
FIGS. 10A and 10B ,wheel assembly 1020 compriseswheel 1021, left andright wheel brackets motor engagement member 1024.Motor engagement member 1024 defines anotch 1028. Left andright wheel brackets wheel 1021.Wheel 1021 is sandwiched between and coupled toleft wheel bracket 1022 andright wheel bracket 1023 with bushing 1025 and screws orfasteners 1026. Motor engagement member is coupled toright wheel bracket 1023 withscrews 1029 and nuts 1027, or other known forms of connectors. Bushing 1025 is centered throughwheel 1021, and allowswheel 1021 to rotate. When assembled, threadedshaft 1042 of motor andshaft assembly 1040, described below, extends throughnotch 1028. -
Left wheel bracket 1022 andright wheel bracket 1023 each define an elongated slot, 1061 and 1062, respectively, through whichbushing 1036 is inserted and coupled to 1039, as shown inFIG. 10I . This configuration allowswheel assembly 1020 to move up and down relative to the left and right assembly plates, 1031 and 1032, of thetraction wheel housing 1030. The range of movement ofwheel assembly 1020 is guided and limited byelongated slots - Motor and shaft wheel-
positioning assembly 1040 is shown inFIGS. 10C through 10F . With reference toFIG. 10E , motor andshaft assembly 1040 comprisesmotor 1041, threadedshaft 1042, motorelectrical assembly 1070,bracket 1043,connector block 1044 andcollar 1045, and is coupled together with screws orfasteners electrical assembly 1070,bracket 1043,connector block 1044 andcollar 1045 ride up and down as the threadedshaft 1042 turns. With reference toFIG. 10F , motorelectrical assembly 1070 comprisescircuit board 1072 andhousing 1071, which are coupled together with screws orfasteners 1073. - In a preferred embodiment, automatically-engaged
traction wheel 1010 is motion sensitive.Circuit board 1072 includes aHall Effect sensor 1082 that controlsmotor 1041.Hall Effect sensor 1082 responds to asmall magnet 1083 embedded inwheel 1021, as shown inFIG. 10A . When the mobile cart base is in motion andwheel 1021 is spinning, themagnet 1083 is effectively sending an “on/off” signal to theHall Effect sensor 1082. - When
wheel 1021 is not spinning, theHall Effect sensor 1082 does not detect the “on/off” signal frommagnet 1083, andmotor 1041 turns threadedshaft 1042 to a first position such thatwheel assembly 1020 is raised relative to thetraction wheel housing 1030 andwheel 1021 is no longer in contact with the floor or other surface. Whenwheel 1021 is spinning, theHall Effect sensor 1082 detects the “on/off” signal from themagnet 1083, andmotor 1041 turns threadedshaft 1042 to a second position such thatwheel assembly 1020 is lowered relative to thetraction wheel housing 1030 andwheel 1021 is in contact with the floor or other surface. -
Circuit board 1072 also includes a vibration sensor chip 1081. When the mobile cart is in motion, the vibration sensor chip 1081 causes motor 1041 to turn threadedshaft 1042 so as tolower wheel assembly 1020, such thatwheel 1021 is in contact with the floor or other surface. - In an alternate embodiment, automatically-engaged
traction wheel 1010 is operated by an on/off switch or button, which may be located on themobile cart base 800, or theupper working section 8210 or the intermediate section 8230 of themobile cart 8200. -
Motor 1041 receives power from the on-board battery cells interconnect board 621, shown inFIG. 6 , through twoterminals 1048 located on the outer side ofmotor 1041, shown inFIGS. 10D and 10E . - The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (2)
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US13/439,490 US20120248719A1 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2012-04-04 | Mobile Cart Base with Traction Wheel |
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US13/035,481 US8567798B2 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2011-02-25 | Mobile cart base with traction wheel |
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US13/439,490 Continuation-In-Part US20120248719A1 (en) | 2008-06-20 | 2012-04-04 | Mobile Cart Base with Traction Wheel |
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